If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a sweet hug after a long day, the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Layers of airy angel food cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and luscious strawberry pie filling blend effortlessly with whipped topping to create a treat that’s light, fruity, and indulgently creamy all at once. Every bite brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for ordinary desserts. Trust me, this cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a celebration on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A three-part collage shows the steps of making a cherry bread dessert in a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface. The first image shows the bottom layer of roughly cut golden and white bread cubes filling the dish evenly. The second image adds a thick layer of bright red cherry topping with visible whole cherries and syrup covering the bread. The third image shows another layer of golden and white bread cubes spread over the cherry layer, partially mixing with the red filling underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of fluffy, creamy, and fruity in this recipe. Together, they transform into something truly magical without any complicated steps or hard-to-find additions.

16 ounce box angel food cake mix: The fluffy base that gives this cake its airy texture and light sweetness.
21 ounce can strawberry pie filling: Adds vibrant color and juicy bursts of strawberry goodness.
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, rich layer that enhances creaminess without being overpowering.
3.4 ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix: Brings that silky, luscious pudding layer that binds everything together.
1 ½ cups whole milk: Needed to make the pudding perfectly creamy and smooth.
2 ½ teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional): A zesty touch to brighten up the vanilla pudding layer, balancing the sweetness.
8 ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed: Adds a light and fluffy finish that melts in your mouth.
Sliced almonds (optional): For a delicate crunch and nutty contrast when garnishing.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cube the Angel Food Cake

Start by preparing the angel food cake according to the box directions, or use a pre-made one. Once ready and cooled, cut the cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes. You’ll only need half of the cake for this layered masterpiece, so save the other half for later or freeze it.

Step 2: Create the First Cake Layer

Place half of the cubed angel food cake in a single layer at the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish. Whether you use metal or glass, the cake base will provide the airy support for all the delicious layers to come.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Pie Filling

Spoon about two-thirds of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes. This layer gives the dessert its bright, fruity pop, ensuring every forkful has juicy strawberry flavor. Save the rest of the pie filling for topping at the end.

Step 4: Add the Second Cake Layer

Layer the remaining cubed angel food cake over the strawberry pie filling, pressing lightly to create an even surface to hold the luscious pudding mixture.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Pudding Mixture

Blend the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and fresh lemon juice if using, mixing gently until smooth and fully incorporated. This creamy layer is the heart of the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe, providing a silky counterpoint to the fluffy cake and fruity pie filling.

Step 6: Pour and Chill

Pour the pudding mixture evenly over your layered cake and pie filling. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to allow the pudding to set and for the flavors to meld into a divine harmony.

Step 7: Finish with Cool Whip and Toppings

Once set, spread the thawed Cool Whip whipped topping smoothly across the pudding layer. Gently dollop the remaining strawberry pie filling on top and swirl it through for an eye-catching marbled effect. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the cake to add a subtle crunch that complements the creamy and fruity textures beautifully. Chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

The image shows three stages of dessert preparation placed side by side on a white marbled surface. The first part has a clear glass bowl with a smooth, pale yellow mixture and a metal whisk resting inside it. The middle part shows a white square dish filled with a creamy, thick light-yellow batter with some uneven texture on the surface. The last part displays the same white dish now topped with swirled white and bright red cream, decorated with thinly sliced almond flakes scattered on top; a couple of strawberries and a small bowl of almond slices are visible near the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While sliced almonds are classic, feel free to sprinkle some shredded coconut, a few fresh strawberries, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These garnishes bring color, texture, and a little something extra that makes every serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This cake stands out perfectly on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light, fruity tea. For a more festive occasion, serve alongside a crisp fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the refreshing taste of the strawberries.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try layering this dessert in individual clear cups or mini mason jars. It’s a charming way to showcase the distinct layers and makes portion control a breeze. Another idea is to create a dessert trifecta by serving small slices with whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe actually tastes even better after sitting overnight, so leftovers store beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake loves to stay cold, locking in the mousse-like texture of the pudding layer and keeping the cake moist.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the textures remain impressively close to fresh.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, but avoid warming to preserve the creamy and fluffy layers.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds essential richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, so it’s a key component. However, you could try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different, but still creamy, flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The elegant layers and fresh strawberry notes make the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe a fantastic choice for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Can I use homemade angel food cake instead of a boxed mix?

Definitely. Homemade angel food cake can elevate the dessert with fresh flavor and texture, though using a box mix is a great time-saver that still yields delicious results.

What if I want a different fruit flavor?

You can swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling for a fun twist. Each will give the cake a unique personality while keeping the luscious layering concept intact.

How important is the chilling time?

Chilling for 3 to 4 hours is crucial to let the pudding set properly and allow those incredible flavors to develop together. If you’re short on time, even 2 hours helps but the textures won’t be as perfect.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe enough — it’s one of those desserts that feels like a reward after any meal. The way the fluffy angel food cake teams up with creamy pudding and juicy strawberries is downright addictive. Next time you want to wow your family or friends with something easy yet stunning, give this recipe a try. I promise it’s a heavenly treat you’ll come back to again and again.

Heaven on Earth Cake Recipe

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Heaven on Earth Cake is a luscious, creamy dessert combining layers of airy angel food cake, smooth vanilla pudding, sweet strawberry pie filling, and fluffy Cool Whip. This no-bake chilled treat brings a delightful balance of fruitiness and creaminess, perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want a light yet indulgent dessert.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Angel Food Cake

16 ounce box angel food cake mix, prepared according to directions (see notes below)

Fruit Layer

21 ounce can strawberry pie filling

Pudding Layer

8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 ½ teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Topping

8 ounce container Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Cake: Cut the prepared angel food cake in half and then into 1-inch cubes. Only half of the cake will be used in this recipe; store or freeze the rest for later.
Layer Cake Base: Place half of the cut cake cubes in a single, even layer at the bottom of an ungreased 9×9 inch baking dish made of metal or glass.
Add Strawberry Filling: Spoon 2/3 of the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cake cubes layer. Reserve the remaining pie filling in the refrigerator for topping later.
Second Cake Layer: Add the remaining cake cubes evenly over the strawberry pie filling layer to create the second cake layer.
Make Pudding Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the vanilla instant pudding mix, whole milk, and fresh squeezed lemon juice (if using), mixing slowly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Pour Pudding Over Cake: Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the layered cake and strawberry filling in the baking dish.
Chill Dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Cool Whip and Garnish: Once the pudding is set, spread the thawed Cool Whip whipped topping evenly over the surface of the dessert. Dollop and swirl the reserved strawberry pie filling on top of the Cool Whip layer. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top if desired for added texture and garnish.
Serve: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Cut into squares and enjoy this refreshing, creamy dessert.

Notes

If you made the angel food cake into two loaf pans using cake mix, use only one loaf pan for this recipe. If you baked in an angel food cake pan, use only half the cake.
Fresh squeezed lemon juice is optional but adds a subtle brightness to the pudding layer.
Sliced almonds add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free version.
This dessert requires chilling for at least 3 to 4 hours for best texture and flavor melding.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.